Bosch L Boxx

[richfinn]

Thinking about buying a couple of these (or similar) to reorganise my electrical test and diagnostic equipment (automotive tech) in my van maybe with shadowfoam inserts.

My question is, are these the best alternative??

They need to be reasonably robust and lightweight

Any pointers or better ideas/brands to look at?

I currently have different test meters/oscilloscope and accessories etc, stored in a collection of random bags and blow molded cases, and it's becoming a bit unmanageable!!!

In an ideal world I just want to grab one box and have everything neat and tidy and ready to go to the car.

I looked at the Veto Pro Pac meter bags but I think foam inserts are probably the way to go, be interested to see what you guys use.

 

[egdede]

I have a couple of L Boxes (that I don't really use). They seem tough and durable and 5 lbs less than my VETOs (LC and XL) that fact which seems to matter more as get older : ( I do use the box a Bosch sds drill came which seems of similar construction though I don't recall it being marketed as an L Boxx. That one has withstood all manner of abuse. If the L Boxxes fit your needs I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

 

[jonshonda]

Depends on if you are vested in any other tool systems that might utilize storage options. Milwaukee comes to mind.

The Harbor freight storage containers get high praise, but those are more geared to hardware storage.

 

[richfinn]

Thanks Guys, I haven't bought into any particular power tool or storage system so brand isn't really an issue.

Also been looking at flight cases etc.

Think I'm going to give the Bosch system a go as they are fairly easy to get hold of/cost effective in the UK, I can buy pre cut shadowfoam locally for them too.

Weight is an issue reaching into a van umpteen times a day!!

 

[autobon7]

I have 4 of the bigger L boxes that store/transport all my power tools and have been very durable. I believe the boxes are made by Sortimo and sometimes can find slightly cheaper deals on ebay.

 

[jonshonda]

Thanks Guys, I haven't bought into any particular power tool or storage system so brand isn't really an issue.

Think I'm going to give the Bosch system a go as they are fairly easy to get hold of/cost effective in the UK, I can buy pre cut shadowfoam locally for them too.

And this is the issue with asking questions internationally. Bosch is really getting dominated in the US by Milwaukee and others. L-Boxx stuff here is pretty rare.

 

[Trapps]

I have several L-Boxxes in different sizes. They are surprisingly light; so much so, that when I first started using them, I was worried about durability. A few years in and I've had zero complaints on performance. The frequently travel from my shop and have survived moderate abuse. I try and treat them well, but I'm a bit of a thug sometimes. Several times I've had a stack tip over in the truck, including a 3D, and zero issues.

I would recommend some sort of port or system to fix them in place during travel.

Placing them in individual drawers allows them to be opened easily. They are a PITA if stacked although GEN2 allows a lid to open even if other boxes are stacked on top. Possible, but cumbersome.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

The Tanos Systainer system is similar. Not sure how they compare on price. You may want to have a look at them as well.

 

[richfinn]

That's a really well thought out set up Trapps, great use of space and easy to grab what you need for any particular job.

Thanks for the pic

 

[richfinn]

The Tanos Systainer system is similar. Not sure how they compare on price. You may want to have a look at them as well.

Will do

 

[autobon7]

I have several L-Boxxes in different sizes. They are surprisingly light; so much so, that when I first started using them, I was worried about durability. A few years in and I've had zero complaints on performance. The frequently travel from my shop and have survived moderate abuse. I try and treat them well, but I'm a bit of a thug sometimes. Several times I've had a stack tip over in the truck, including a 3D, and zero issues.

I would recommend some sort of port or system to fix them in place during travel.

Placing them in individual drawers allows them to be opened easily. They are a PITA if stacked although GEN2 allows a lid to open even if other boxes are stacked on top. Possible, but cumbersome.

Nice bench........really like the drawer setup.

 

[richfinn]

And this is the issue with asking questions internationally. Bosch is really getting dominated in the US by Milwaukee and others. L-Boxx stuff here is pretty rare.

I don't know so much, I always seem to get exactly the right answers on GJ.

I looked at Milwaukee and they are a bit expensive in the UK, we don't have Harbour Freight over here unfortunately.

 

[autobon7]

I don't know so much, I always seem to get exactly the right answers on GJ.

I looked at Milwaukee and they are a bit expensive in the UK, we don't have Harbour Freight over here unfortunately.

I dont think you can go wrong with the L boxxes or Sortimo boxes especially being in the UK.

 

[acer66]

I have couple dozen or so and I am not easy on these things, constantly overload them and my back and I am surprised that I was only able to break one of them.

There are pretty basic compared to other brands and at least the versions I have are not rain tight etc. like some other brands.

 

[richfinn]

I have couple dozen or so and I am not easy on these things, constantly overload them and my back and I am surprised that I was only able to break one of them.

There are pretty basic compared to other brands and at least the versions I have are not rain tight etc. like some other brands.

They will live in my work van and it's fairly lightweight equipment, basic is what I'm after really, as I plan to customise them with shadowfoam (I change vans every few years so having everything in labelled boxes of a uniform size will make life a bit easier I reckon)

If I ever return to workshop duty, it would be nice to have them on a roll cart or toolbox locker

As long as the clasps and hinges are durable I'm pretty much sold on the idea (I think)

 

[Renegade1LI]

For ease of use and portability you can’t beat the dewalt tough system, they are the only system you can individually rack. Very well thought out, well made and a good selection. The rack brackets fold flat so if i need the space just remove the boxes and flood the brackets.

I like that dewalt designed a hard truck the racks the boxes and can be used as a hand truck. A big plus is having racks in the shop, you can switch out or take the box you need and you don’t have to remove the one on top. I am not brand loyal, have every battery platform but this is hands down the best storage system.

Two years of daily travel into nyc and not a single issue boxes stay put on the racks. Many of those boxes have Milwaukee and makita tools in them, it’s just a system that works.

 

[autobon7]

Ive never had an issue with the clasps or hinges......or anything for that matter. I keep my circular saw, jig saw, drill/driver, recip saw, extra blades, etc in mine and love em.

 

[acer66]

They will live in my work van and it's fairly lightweight equipment, basic is what I'm after really, as I plan to customise them with shadowfoam (I change vans every few years so having everything in labelled boxes of a uniform size will make life a bit easier I reckon)

If I ever return to workshop duty, it would be nice to have them on a roll cart or toolbox locker

As long as the clasps and hinges are durable I'm pretty much sold on the idea (I think)

A lot of my tools are from Bosch so I always try to get then with a box or insert but I also have made one insert myself out of wood.
I also have the dolly and the hand truck.
I really like the dolly very sturdy and great to roll things around.

 

[Trapps]

For ease of use and portability you can’t beat the dewalt tough system, they are the only system you can individually rack. Very well thought out, well made and a good selection. The rack brackets fold flat so if i need the space just remove the boxes and flood the brackets.

I like that dewalt designed a hard truck the racks the boxes and can be used as a hand truck. A big plus is having racks in the shop, you can switch out or take the box you need and you don’t have to remove the one on top. I am not brand loyal, have every battery platform but this is hands down the best storage system.

Two years of daily travel into nyc and not a single issue boxes stay put on the racks. Many of those boxes have Milwaukee and makita tools in them, it’s just a system that works.

DeWalt's Tough System is excellent; I've got several of them and they're as robust as it gets in the modular tool box world. The rack system is also excellent. However, the OP specified a need for "reasonably robust and lightweight" which, in my opinion, points towards Tanos/Festool, Makita or L-Boxx options. He's also in the UK, so availability and pricing may be a concern.

 

[richfinn]

That DeWalt system looks like a good set up

 

[acer66]

DeWalt's Tough System is excellent; I've got several of them and they're as robust as it gets in the modular tool box world. The rack system is also excellent. However, the OP specified a need for "reasonably robust and lightweight" which, in my opinion, points towards Tanos/Festool, Makita or L-Boxx options. He's also in the UK, so availability and pricing may be a concern.

Good points, buddy of mine is invested in the Dewalt system because he is setting fences where weather proofing etc. is important and like you said while great for his needs they are heavier.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Didn’t realize you are in the uk, just giving you some options

 

[LeeG]

I use the Festool/Tanos systainers for a lot of tool storage. They are neither waterproof nor inexpensive, but they are light, versatile, and surprisingly durable.